Redeemer Network Podcast Session 3 | 2024 Conference
Aug 18, 2025
JR Vassar, lead pastor at Church at the Cross and author of "Glory Hunger," dives deep into the transformative power of Romans 12. He highlights how early Christians' distinctive virtues and hospitality fostered church growth. JR emphasizes cultivating love within communities and shares how practicing generous hospitality functions as modern evangelism. He calls for zeal in service and enduring hope amidst challenges. With encouragement to reflect and pray, he showcases Christ’s example as motivation for personal and communal renewal.
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Countercultural Power Of Transformed Life
- The early church grew because believers displayed a radically different, Spirit-transformed life that attracted others.
- JR Vassar links Romans 12 as the blueprint that shaped a compelling, countercultural community.
Epistle Of Diognetus Portrait
- JR Vassar cites the Epistle of Diognetus describing Christians living ordinary lives yet displaying a striking way of life.
- The example highlights radical hospitality, sexual purity, and shared life amid persecution.
Cyprian On Living Wisdom
- Vassar recounts Cyprian's words describing Christians who 'exhibit our wisdom not by our dress, but by truth.'
- The anecdote underscores lived virtue rather than mere speech as the church's witness.